New Delhi, 5 December (H.S.): Russian President Vladimir Putin departed New Delhi late Friday evening, concluding a two-day state visit marked by summit-level talks, cultural exchanges, and a sumptuous all-vegetarian state banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar bid farewell to Putin at the airport, symbolizing the enduring warmth in India-Russia ties as the leader headed back to Moscow after the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Culinary Showcase at Banquet

The state dinner featured an elaborate vegetarian thali that celebrated India's regional diversity, commencing with Murungelai Chaaru broth and progressing to appetizers like Kashmiri Gucchi Doon Chetin, Kaale Chane ke Shikampuri kebabs, and vegetable jhol momos inspired by pelmeni.

Main courses included Zafrani Paneer Roll, Palak Methi Mattar Saag, Achaari Baingan, Tandoori Bharwan Aloo, and Yellow Dal Tadka, accompanied by dry fruit-saffron pulao and breads such as lachha paratha and magaz naan, with desserts like Badam ka Halwa and Kesar-Pista Kulfi rounding out the feast.

This meticulously curated menu underscored India's hospitality and culinary artistry during Putin's visit.

Gifts and Diplomatic Gestures

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Putin with thoughtful gifts emblematic of Indian heritage, including fine Assam black tea, a Murshidabad silver tea set, a handcrafted Maharashtra silver horse symbolizing valor, an Agra marble chess set, Kashmiri saffron, and a Russian translation of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

President Murmu, in her banquet address, affirmed that the India-Russia friendship would prosper further, while Putin echoed the sentiment by praising the phrase Go Together, Grow Together as reflective of bilateral relations.

Business Forum and Trade Ambitions

At the India-Russia Business Forum earlier Friday, Modi expressed confidence that the $100 billion bilateral trade target for 2030 would be met ahead of schedule, urging Russian firms to embrace Make in India and highlighting openings in defence, space, and civil-nuclear sectors.

He advocated digital integration for trade corridors like the International North-South Transport Corridor, tariff reductions, and GST reforms to enhance ease of doing business, with Putin emphasizing industrial cooperation, AI, and national currency settlements.

Modi reiterated India's commitment to peace amid global tensions, including Ukraine, during talks that covered defence, energy, and connectivity.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar